Searching for 'Lost' Money Online

Whether it's pirate's treasure found on a beach vacation, or a long-lost $20 in the living room couch, everyone dreams of hitting the jackpot.

But is it worth it to pay someone else to find "lost" money for you?

A host of Web sites promise, for a fee, to track down money you are owed, from forgotten phone deposits to uncashed paychecks. Banks, insurers, payroll departments and utilities are legally required to turn...